Thousands expected at New Year’s Eve race day

A CROWD of more than 6,500 people are expected to head to Warwick Racecourse for its most popular fixture of the season on New Year’s Eve.

The New Year’s Eve Raceday has seen huge growth over the last five years, with attendances rising by more than 4,000 people since 2013.

Warwick Racecourse has already seen a record number of pre-sales for tickets ahead of this year’s fixture, as racegoers look to finish the year on a winner.

The raceday will feature a busy afternoon of racing, with seven races taking place, the first getting underway at 12.25pm and the last 3.35pm. There will be live music from contemporary Irish Trad band LAMPA at intervals throughout the day, and racegoers will be greeted by the sound of The Peas as they arrive at the racecourse, starting the New Year’s celebrations early.

In the ‘Auld Lang Syne’ Shed there will be charity whisky tasting to take part in, with a selection of six different malts to choose from.

All funds raised will be donated to the Air Ambulance Service.

There is also the chance for racegoers to win tickets to Warwick’s Gentlemen’s Raceday on Saturday, February 9 with on-the-spot prizes awarded for the racegoers dressed in ‘the classic’ racing attire.

Andre Klein, General Manager at Warwick Racecourse, said: “We have continued to see annual growth of the New Year’s Eve Raceday, as it goes from strength to strength.

“It has grown to be the standout fixture on our raceday calendar, alongside the Classic Chase Day on January 12, and is a fantastic way to spend the final day of the year.

“With the early start, racegoers can visit us to start their New Year festivities early, and then head on to their evening celebrations.

“It’s been a fantastic year for us at Warwick Racecourse and we’re looking forward to closing out 2018 in style with this fixture.”

It will mark the end of another successful year at Warwick Racecourse, which has seen it receive national acclaim.

Warwick was named Best Fine Dining Experience for its 1707 Restaurant at the National Racecourse Catering Awards, and also collected the Racecourse Association’s Best Groundstaff award.

The 1707 Restaurant and Paddock Pavilion Restaurant are sold out, but the racecourse does have a few private boxes available as well as the Winter Garden hospitality package in the Paddock Pavilion Marquee.

Gates open at 10.30am. Advance general admission tickets start from £12.50 and under 18’s entry is free of charge, when attending with a responsible adult.